Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 77

From: The Grand Secretaries
To: Admiral Zheng He, Deputy Wang Jinghong
1. In accordance to the reference, you will proceed and report to the Ministry of War to receive further
assignment.
2. Your assignment consists of taking command of 27,000 troops to the Western Ocean on an expedition.
3. Your duties include preparing for the voyage and leading the fleet. Refer to the documents in the next
package.
July 11, 1405
From: Admiral Zheng He
To: Official Kaiser
Kaiser, hurry up. Hurry up and finish the documents for the voyage preparation and the crew recruit.
August 15, 1405
Dearest Anna,
Please do accept my apologies for not writing back. It has been absolute chaos at the palace - not that I’ve
been spending much time there. I have been assigned by Admiral Zheng He to accompany him on an expedition. But
Anna, it’s no ordinary expedition! It’s at sea, and we’re sailing on the most magnificent treasure fleet I’ve ever laid my
eyes on. Luckily for me, I get to test out the ship before we truly set sail.
Breathtaking. It’s breathtaking. It’s a hundred thousand tonnes of ancient oak, fashioned into a body of warm
wood and might, with masts that reach the heavens, lifting maroon sails in the air, holding everything together. I get to
sit by the bow each day, watching the sun wake up and fall asleep to a soundless lullaby. I get to count the stars as my
bedtime story and watch the bow stroke the waves with a regal dignity unlike anything I’ve seen before.
Anna, I know you’re fuming right now. I’m sorry you cannot be here and experience everything with me, but
as you know, society is one strange thing. Why women are perceived as pretty, polite girls whose sole purpose in life is
to get married is beyond my understanding. That’s why I love you. You keep me on my toes and remind me every day
to go against what is wrong, even though everyone thinks it’s right.
Also, you will not believe what I managed to do! There is a space in the fleet crew that requires a good cook,
and I know someone (I mean you, Anna.) who would be perfect for the job. I do hope it will make you quite happy.
See you in a while.
Sincerely,
Kaiser
From: On Behalf of the Yongle Emperor
To: Crew, Officers, and Admirals of the Fleet
You have been invited to a ceremonial banquet to celebrate the fleet’s maiden voyage tomorrow at the Grand Hall. On
behalf of our country, China wishes you the best and we pray for a journey full of successes and a safe passage.
Autumn of 1405
From: Official Kaiser
To: Admiral Zheng He